Speed Factory Switch To Ligier For 2016 ELMS & VdeV LMP3 Campaign

18 October 2015, 7:16 AM

Speed Factory Racing has acquired two Ligier JS P3 LMP3 cars setting its sights on a full campaign in next season´s European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and V de V series. An agreement has been reached between Ligier and the Valencia-based team focusing on opening new horizons and possibilities in the medium term: the 24 hours of Le Mans in the highly competitive LMP2 class.

Following a successful background with different Radical-built prototypes, Speed Factory Racing debuted with Ginetta in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) earlier this year in a year that has seen the team’s Ginetta Nissan score podium finishes.

After testing the new Ligier at Magny Cours on 21 September with Jesús Fuster and Álvaro Fontes, the outfit led by Dalius Steponavicius has confirmed their participation in next year´s ELMS and V de V series with two Ligier JS P3 cars.

Speed Factory Racing has also announced that one of their driver line ups for the V de V series is already fixed.

The Ligier racing under Dressel Divers banner will be driven by the Valencia-born driver Javier Ibrán, Netherlands´ Mathijs Bakker and Catalan Toni Castillo.

Speed Factory Racing will announce driver crew for second Ligier in the coming weeks, with Fuster joining the driver line up in selected rounds.

In the European Le Mans Series Fontes and Fuster are already under agreement but testing conducted by Speed Factory Racing with drivers interested in the following months of November/December will help to decide the line up next year.

The team will receive its first Ligier JS P3 on 26 October and, in all likelihood, the shakedown will be carried out at Paul Ricard HTTT. The car is set for its competitive race debut in V de V season finale at Estoril, the 6-hour event taking place on 6-8 November.

Dalius Steponavicius: “Private testing carried out by Álvaro and Jesús led to positive emotions. Down to the last detail you can see and feel experience and know-how of ONROAK. I really like the way how ONROAK caters needs and supports its customers. I hope for long-term collaboration.

“During November and December we will have a couple of testing days with interested drivers and shortly after we will announce our full ELMS and V de V driver line ups. Anyway Spaniards Fuster and Fontes are already under agreement. It will be a busy year for our team, but every single kilometer driven is important. I am looking forward to next season with our Ligier JS P3 cars.”

Established by Lithuanian rally driver, Dalius Steponavicius, in 2008, Speed Factory Racing Team was most successful team in Radical European Masters series with wins of driver´s title in 2008, 2009 and 2012 and they are looking to bring that success with them to ELMS.